Wedding Wednesday {Light-Hearted Delights}

It is the sweet details hidden within the hysteria of weddings that make me love them.

Things like:

yes, that is a hand-written wedding invitation!

They're not necessarily moments you can plan for, but if you keep your planning focused on your heart rather than the opinions of others - they will happen.

I just highly recommend splurging on a stellar wedding photographer who can capture them appropriately!

 

images via Belathée  photography, junebug weddings, harpers bazaar

Tasty Tuesday {Pears Are Peachy Keen}

Pumpkin is king this time of year. And I do adore a pumpkin pie as much as the next person, but over Thanksgiving I rediscovered pears. They might be possibly be the perfect fall food.

I'm particularly partial to Comice pears - a lesser known variety that come from the valleys of Oregon. Tough on the outside and super tender on the inside, when eaten on their own they're as sweet as candy. They are also the perfect snack when coupled with sharp white cheddar cheese.

But for the holiday I got brave and decided to try my hand at tart making for the very first time - crust and all. The pressure of Thanksgiving definitely had my palms sweating but the results were well worth the stress!

My first attempt was Martha Stewart's pear crostata (top pic). This might be the most simple dish I've ever made. It involved just three main ingredients (if you count the crust as one) along with the pears and a dash of sugar. The crust is made of a mixture of cornmeal and pastry flour giving a bit of a savory undertone - which is why I ate it with a side of greek yogurt for breakfast for three days straight.

By the way, for all you homemade crust-phobes I'm here to reassure, even the most inexperienced bakers can pull this off! Admittedly a food processor certainly helped my cause, but I had quite the sense of accomplishment rolling out my first-ever homemade dough.

However, my pièce de résistance of the weekend was the pear tart with fresh almond paste and apricot jam that I made for Thanksgiving. It was the clear favorite on our table. Again the recipe and construction was easy as pie {pardon the pun} and the final result was sheer culinary genius. The combination of pear and almond was a perfect balance of nutty + sweet and the layers looked equally delicious on the plate.

The pumpkin pie never stood a chance.

So as we head into the heart of the holiday season, I know various pumpkin dishes will be dotting many a table, but might I suggest you give a pear a chance?!

Happy holiday cooking luvies,

pear tart recipe here images via tartlette and by me

Holiday Hot Shops {Fina Du+ A Giveaway}

Though December isn't technically here yet, it's never too early to get into the giving spirit. That's why every week, from now until Christmas, I'm going to be hosting an extra special giveaway on Apartment 34! So get those wishlists out luvies - you just might be able to check a few things off.

Our first giveaway comes from one of Apartment 34's Holiday Hot Shops: Fina Du. The New York based shop pays homage to owner Susanne Harl's Scandinavian roots by carrying great designers like Malene Birger and Carin Rodebjer. Her selection of sweaters, cozy tops and scarves are the perfect casually cool foundation of my favorite kind of winter workwear looks.

belstaff triumph leather jacket, theory pants, malene birger sweater, scarf, ring, cuff, bag, mcqueen pumps

A palette of black and tan with hard-edged accessories are the perfect way to kick up the sophistication factor. And Finu Du is going to help one lucky Apartment 34 reader achieve this city chic look by giving away a Malene Birger pony hair cuff! I must admit, I'm rather excited.

Here's how to enter:

~ Head over to Facebook and show Fina Du some love

~ Leave a comment on this post and tell us what you'd pair your cuff with

~ That's it!

A winner will be chosen on Friday, December 2nd! Here's to highly fashionable holiday luvies.

 



Off to the Races

The holidays are officially in full effect, but I'm still feeling a bit unprepared. We were lucky enough to extend our Thanksgiving weekend by an extra day so I'm hoping the additional time will bring on the festive feeling. Because the season shouldn't have to be a rat race.

I decided one way to get in the giving spirit is to have some holiday fun right here on Apartment 34 and I definitely have a litany of merriment planned - beginning later this very afternoon in fact!

So be sure to check back and check often ~ you just never know what holiday surprise will be popping up.

In the meantime, I was feeling like an edition of Noteworthy Newbies was long overdue ~ I hope you find these blogs as dazzling as I have!

Noteworthy Newbies 8.0

~ Could I Have That

~ Rooms and Words

~ Lovely Package

~ Because It's Awesome

~ Streetstyle Aesthetic

Happy Monday luvies,

 



image via glamour magazine

Noir on Parade

Because black is anything but basic.


Cyber Monday sales are officially on. How good has your closet has been this year?!

On the Artisinal Tip

Yes, it's Black Friday. Yes, crazy sales abound. But this year why not save your pesos for pieces that will hold value worth much more than any 70% off discount will ever save you. Pieces like those sold in the online shop Herriott Grace.

The sweetly stunning kitchen tools and home accessories are each designed and painstakingly made by hand. Each bowl, platter and tray has much heart and beauty as they do utility.

Each one-of-a-kind piece is made at the shop owner's family farm in Canada. Sadly if you really want one of these treasures you have to act fast - they sell out in as little as 12 minutes. But a gift like this come with a story that begets the price tag.

You can learn more about shop owner Nikole Herriott and her dad (the wood worker) in this month's issue of Food & Wine here.

Happy holiday shopping luvies,

images via herriott grace

Happy {Over the River} Weekend!

Thanksgiving just might be the best holiday ever invented. What's more fun than focusing all your energy on food, family and friends while reflecting on everything that warms your heart?

We are spending the holiday zooming back to Seattle for a little homecoming. I'm excited for a reunion with besties, spending time in my beloved Emerald City and lounging with my butt firmly planted on the family couch! I'm not, however, looking forward to the airplane travel, but over the years, I've gotten the carry-on down to a science. Here are some of my go-to travel picks:

sweater, sunnies, ballet flats, snood, a big watch, wallet, lo & sons bag

In case you're still putting the finishing touches on your Thanksgiving plans, here is some last minute inspiration:

~ Next year I want to host my own Thanksgiving and have a table that looks like this or this 

~ I'm going to trust Caitlin and give her cranberry sauce a try 

~ If you're headed to somebody-else's house for the holiday, don't forget your hostess gift

~ I'd like to toast {to all of you!} with this

~ If you still need help getting into the Thanksgiving spirit - watch this. Your heart will melt. Promise.

I couldn't be more thankful for all the amazing things this year has sent my way, from celebrating our first year of marriage, landing in San Francisco, designing our new home and having so much fun with my dear blogging friends, supportive sponsors {did you check out our latest Fina Du, the Pink Pagoda and HD Buttercup}, collaborative partners, and above all that...continuing to get to know you - my dear readers. This community means more to me than I can ever express.

You're the reason Apartment 34 exists. I am eternally grateful for that.

Happiest of Thanksgivings to you and yours - and to everyone around the world wishing you a marvelous weekend regardless of what you might be celebrating!

Cheers,

image via bazaar





4:00 PM Fashion Fix {Wet Weather Wear}

The first storms hit the Bay Area hard over the weekend - and I loved it! There's nothing better than rain lashing up against the window, especially when they're twenty feet tall. You really get the full effect then.

However, wet weather is not so fun when you have dogs that have to go out into the rain no matter how ill-prepared their owners are!

This is why I went on a wild hunt for wellies on Sunday night {my classic Hunters didn't turn up after the move - boo hiss}. I was pleased to discover that there is quite the variety of fun options out there.

You can go with laces, or zippers or bows {oh my!}. What say you luvies? Which pair would you be most apt to buy?

wellie via here



Tasty Tuesday {Saying Thanks with Foodie Finds}

With Thanksgiving upon us, gift giving season has officially begun. While we want to keep things simple, especially this time of year, hostess gifts don't have to relegated to the left-over bottle of wine. Let's have some fun with this people!

This year I'd love to treat those kind enough to invite me to sit at their lovely holiday tables to some equally stunning gourmet delights. Here are a few of the special treats currently topping my list.

 1 hand painted olive oil bottle, 2 naturally lacquered bamboo spoons, 3 bottle stopper, 4 Australian pink flaked salt, 5 beautiful bowl, 6 organic chocolate bars

Because everyone can appreciate a high quality treat that they wouldn't otherwise get for themselves! I'd certainly be pleased as punch to receive any of these items.

What about you luvies? What is your favorite kind of hostess gift to give? Receive? I'd love to know your tricks of the holiday season trade!

image via here

Monday Work Wear {Let's Hear it for the Boys!}

Sometimes you wake up wanting to make a statement without trying too hard. Taking a cue from men is often a great way to do it. With masculine shapes dominating fashion right now, options abound. From the strong lines of Hanneli's boxy mustard top to a plethora of fall collections, you see the look everywhere. And for good reason.

As a huge fan of the slouchy blazer, boyfriend jeans and a classic men's shirt, I fully embrace raiding a significant other's closet for great finds. With these simple pieces you can embody a subtle sexiness and simultaneous ease that is perfect for the workplace {so sorry skirt - you will have your turn again soon!}.

I just wish I was going to open my closet door and find a {equally gender neutral!} bag from AANDD awaiting me.



While I'm smitten with their great line of satchels and totes, it's really their killer lookbook that caught my eye.  It's official: everyone needs to snag a pair of skinny, but not tooooo skinny black trousers. They'd work just as well at an for an after-work drink as they would at the office.

But I'll take my loafers high-heeled please.

I must say it feels good to be back after my mini-blog break. After a very intense week of decorating we're not putting finishing touches on the loft - quite excited show you how it's turning out!

Happy Monday,

images via aandd

Bonus Post: Dream a Dream with {Happy Interior Blog}

Does your Sunday need a little pick me up? Well, this post is going to do it! When Igor, of the bright and cheery Happy Interior Blog, sent me his dream home inspiration I had to immediately share it - it's just too good to keep it to myself. Get your pinning trigger finger ready luvies!

Cheers,

P.S. - a few loft sneak peaks are now up on Facebook.

I was beyond happy when Erin asked me if I'd like to guest post on Apartment 34 - I've been a long time fan of her stylish blog. I loved the idea of getting to present my dream home and go wild with my ideas and inspirations. There's no way I could say no to such a unique opportunity. Thank you so much, Erin!

So here I am. A guy in his early 30s. Living in downtown Munich, Germany. In a way too small apartment. So first thing: I'd supersize my space. However, I'd remain in a downtown location (the city is not relevant as long as it's cosmopolitan and fun).

I love bright and airy spaces. I adore wooden floors, a tad of mid-century design for the living room, colourful accents throughout the place - art, illustrations, vases, books, cushions, blankets, dishware. I could go on and on. The kitchen would be a super fun and charming place to be - I love chalkboard backdrops to jot down happy messages, shopping lists, menus.

My dream house bedroom is simple yet sophisticated. It's lofty, with timber floor boards and quirky circus lights and lots of free area to relax and take a deep breath after a long day at work. There would definitely be a big studio for my creative work - to work on my beloved blog and have my very own home office. Little statement accents would enhance that rather white space.

To conclude my little dreamy tour, I am inviting you to the bathroom of my dreams. A truly urban spa with brick walls, oriental accessories and I could see some really colourful Marrakech inspired tiles as a backsplash around the sink.

Ah well, enough dreaming, back to reality!

images via: Hallway; Tree Wardrobe; frames and chair; bike; living room; hanging sideboard; poster; kitchen with brick wall; chalkboard wall; stove with chalkboard; bedroom 1; bedroom 2; bed; wardrobe; studio; illustration; pencils; Kay Bojesen monkeys; happy stools; bathroom.

Dream A Little Dream With Me

Before we head into the weekend {and I get to do the special project I've been prepping for all week ~ spoiler coming to Facebook later today!} I had to bring you one more dream home inspiration post. This one isn't from another blogger, but rather from an Apartment 34 reader who's sweet note and lovely post were just too good not to share.


I so hope you've enjoyed this week of decor inspiration. I'm definitely looking forward to being back - I have so much to share with! We're going to head into the holidays in style!


Till Monday luvies,

---

Hi there, my name is Lennie and I am honored and excited to be posting
in Apartment #34!!!

So let's get started...

When asked what is my dream home I always hesitate.

Endless options, constantly changing trends, many decisions to take, and only one place.

I guess my dream home would have to be one that can constantly evolve, with no permanent boundaries
and plenty of room for changes.

I think my main areas in the house would have to be the kitchen, the bedroom and the living room- and these are the ones I will be addressing in this post.

THE KITCHEN:

I really love large scale, open kitchens, where everyone can get together to talk and cook. A major plus would be to have a kitchen filled with natural light and beautiful view like this one (really feels like you're cooking outside).

This one is also a good example of a large scale, open kitchen.

I also love to add lots of color. As pink is one of my favorites, I just adore this one here.

THE LIVING ROOM:

Moving along to another important area in the house, my main goal is to have a cozy, intimate (but not small) living room, where everyone can feel comfortable.

I really don't like going to someone's place and feeling like I can't touch anything…
a house is meant to serve the ones who live in, and not the other way around, right?!

This is such a gorgeous room, with those long narrow windows and the mix of natural light coming from the outside together with the warm colors of the furniture inside the house. Feels so natural I think.

This one below is another great option. Rich colors, little pieces of art and lots of cool accessories.

I wouldn't mind living here as well…

I guess you already noticed I really love natural light. Just take a look at this beautiful living room and see if you dare to think otherwise…

THE BEDROOM:

On to a favorite room (as many women would agree with me), this is of course the bedroom. I don't know about you but I need a room where I can relax and feel calm and peaceful, away from all the hassles of the world. Here are a few favorite options:

I would'nt mind sleeping on the rug… looks so inviting. I also love the way all the colors in this room work so well together.

On the other hand, look at this white beauty below. Simple, clean, timeless decor.

Serenity now.

I hope you enjoyed my dreams and found some inspiration of your own.


I'll leave you with some food for thought {courtesy of Jane Austen}:

"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort"

---

[images via Pinterest]

Dream A Little Dream With {Basic Space}

As we wind down our week of dream home inspiration it's time to take things international! I'm thrilled to introduce you to Australian blogger, Hannah of Basic Space. After reading her post, my wanderlust is officially on overdrive! I highly suspect you'll feel the same.

Cheers luvies!

*Mrs. E

Hi everyone! Huge thank you to Erin for welcoming me to Apartment 34 to share my dream home inspiration with you.

Owning my dream home in Australia is a bit of a pipedream, but it’s one I like to indulge in often.

My dream location would be Bangalow or Federal in the Byron Bay Hinterland. Rural with great views, close to the ocean, great shopping, nice climate and they’re really nice communities.

one . two . three . four

I like an even mix of old, industrial and modern, so my dream house would be a little cottage, painted grey and white, with a porch out the front and a modern extension out the back.

one . two. three . four

The cottage would have a bright front door!

one . two . three

The walls would be white, and natural light will stream in everywhere. The master bedroom would be simple, there’d be a sunroom converted into a bunk room for when my family comes to visit and I’d have a study/workroom with space for ALL my sewing supplies!

one . two . three . four

There’d be DIY touches everywhere… furniture, artwork, decorations.

one . two . three

There’d be an amazing lounge, lots of artwork, cushions galore and a pair of gumboots at the back door.


one . two . three . four

The kitchen, bathroom AND laundry would have white subway tile. The bathroom would have a big bath and the kitchen would be open and industrial, with an apron-front sink and a big cooker!

one . two . three . four

Out the back, there’d be a pool long enough to do laps in, a poolhouse, a restored caravan for a guest room, a herb garden and a big, old tree with a table beneath it for long summer lunches with the family.

one . two . three . four

Thanks again Erin for having me, and thanks everyone for indulging with me today!

{Dream A Dream With {Stone Textile}

I hope you're enjoying this week of decor eye candy luvies. As we near the end the posts just keep getting better and better!

Today's comes from a very special guest - Apartment 34's newest sponsor Stone Textile. When Elizabeth showed me her work I was immediately smitten. She's come out of the gate really strong, having just launched her business last week {on my birthday no less!}. The silky texture of her bamboo throw blanket has me swooning and I have big plans for her placemats and chargers this holiday season.

You're going to want to run, not walk, over to her site, but don't miss her dream home inspiration before you go!

xo,

Hi everyone! My name is Elizabeth and I am the designer/owner of Stone Textile. I am so honored that Erin has chosen me to be a guest blogger on Apartment 34 today!

As a product designer and interior stylist I approach every project with the same philosophy: it is all about the accessories. I love the challenge of blending various textiles to find the perfect balance of texture, color, and mood.

I had a lot of fun combining some of my designs with some of the pieces on my ever-growing wish list. With the holidays around the corner I find myself thinking of my “dream living room” and my “dream dining room” since they are the main hubs of activity during this time of year.

 Here’s what inspired me for my “Dream Living Room"

one,two,three,four

Stone Textile Pillows, Stone Textile Striped Throw Blanket, Stone Textile Wood Coasters, couch/chair/rug/lamp/mirror/ottoman, side tables, tray/decorative plates/ikat box

And here is what's inspiring me for my "Dream Dining Room"...

one,two,three,four,five

Stone Textile Napkins, Stone Textile Napkin Rings, Stone Textile Chargers, Glassware, Place Setting, Chairs, Table/Cloches/Pendant

What home accessories are on your holiday wish list?